Light actuated target apparatus



June 14, 1955 R, VARNEY 2,710,754

LIGHT ACTUATED TARGET APPARATUS 3 Sheets-Sheet l (0 mi, H

Filed Aug. 24. 195] I BY j June 14, 1955 R, V'ARNEY 2,710,754

Y LIGHT ACTUATED TARGET APPARATUS Filed Aug. 24, 1951 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 m RQ L) INVENTOR. 7?@ Var/)gy June 14, 1955 R VARNEY LIGHT ACTUATD TARGET APPARATUS 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Aug. 24, 1951 LIGHT ACTUATED TARGET APPARATUS Rey Varney, Bell Gardens, Calif. Application August 24, 1951, Serial No. 243,436 4 Claims. (Cl. 273-101.1)

This invention relates to a light actuated target apparatus and it is a general object of the invention to provide a structure that is accurate, dependable, and simple in operation, and which provides, generally, a target adapted to be engaged by a light beam from a manually operated implement, including a light source serving to generate a light beam.

The apparatus of the present invention can be employed for various purposes, for example, for the training of marksmen, as a supplement to or a means of carrying out a competitive game, as an amusement device, or as a skill developing or testing device. For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the invention I will describe it in a form that can be used to advantage for the development of skill, for amusement, for comparing skills, or for the carrying out of a game, it being understood that the structure that I disclose can, without departing from the invention, be varied or modified, and its mode of use changed widely, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

A general object of this invention is to provide apparatus of the general character referred to wherein there is a light sensitive target and means combined therewith so that when the target is hit by a beam of light this circumstance is indicated or possibly recorded, and wherein there is a light generating device or implement such as can be handled manually for the purpose of directing a light toward the target.

It is another object of this invention to provide apparatus of the general character referred to wherein the light generating implement is in the likeness of a gun or pistol and serves to generate a beam of light which can, be directed at the target in a manner comparable to the tiring of a bullet at a target.

Another object of the invention is to provide apparatus of the general character referred to wherein a control or starting device is combined with the target and the light generating implement and serves to initiate action of a timer, with the result that when the starter is actuated the timer serves to indicate or record the time interval that occurs between the actuation of the starter and the striking of the target by the light.

Another object of the invention is to provide apparatus of the general character referred to wherein elements such as indicators, illuminating devices, and various controls are incorporated in combination with the elements such as the target and light generating implement to the end that the apparatus operates as an effective training device or amusement device.

It is another object of this invention to provide apparatus of the general character referred to wherein the various elements referred to are of simple, practical, dependable form and are combined and related to provide a structure that is dependablein action and commercially practical.

The present invention provides, primarily, an object at which a target is located, and, in accordance with the invention, there may be more than one target at the object.

nited States Patent O Patented June 14, 1955 The object is preferably supported by mounting or carrying means, including a case that may have a base portion, and the case and/or the base portion may be employed to carry the various controls or electrical devices incorporated in the structure. A body stop is provided forward of the target and preferably includes various features of adjustment and serves to position a user or player and to support one or more implements such as guns at the sides of the player. For example, I will refer to the light generating implements or instruments as being guns in the form of pistols, and each involves a control switch operated by a trigger, a light source in the form of a lamp, and an optical system related to the lamp for directing a beam of light from the muzzle of the gun. It is preferred that the body stop referred to be positioned in a predetermined manner relative to the object. In addition to the elements mentioned, indicating means, for example, banks of lights, are provided as a means of indicating to the player the number of operations or shots of the implements that have been made in the course of using the apparatus, and a timer is preferably provided having an indicating part that is visible and which indicates the time elapsed between starting operation and the striking of a target. The apparatus further includes starting means, preferably two starting switches in series, and located accessible to the player positioned at the stop, and requiring simultaneous operation in order to initiate operation of the apparatus.

The invention further provides illuminating means in connection with each target involved, and further provides a signalling means or sound generating device serving to generate a sound in the likeness of a pistol report each time an implement or piston is actuated.

The electrical system provided by the present invention connects or coordinates the various elements mentioned and is preferably supplied with high voltage alternating current, part of which is used in that form while a transformer, possibly a rectifier, is employed to supply current at low voltage and possibly as direct current. It is desirable that low voltage current be relied upon at the guns to minimize danger. The electrical apparatus or system may be varied widely, depending upon the number or character of targets involved, the number of guns employed, and other such factors. In a typical situation the object is provided with a plurality of targets and these are segregated into two different types, one of which may be considered more important or significant than the other. Furthermore, ln a typical situation there are two starting switches in series, as above referred to, and there are two pistols. The electrical system provides a selector switch for each pistol or in circuit therewith, so that when the switch of the pistol is closed the selector switch is actuated, and an indicating lamp is energized advising the player as to which operation of the pistol has been completed. Actuators are provided for operating the selector switches and these various elements are combined with the signalling device that creates sound through suitable circuits involving relays and switches, to the end that when either pistol is operated the signalling device operates, the selector switch for that pistol is advanced and the indicator related to that switch is energized. Such operation continues until a predetermined number of operations has been performed by or on the pistol, whereupon a stop switch is actuated stopping future operation until the apparatus is reset. The electrical systemfurther provides a target circuit related to each of the targets and each such circuit is characterized by a light-sensitive, say, for instance, a photoelectric cell, which operates through suitable equipment, say, for instance, an amplifier, relays, etc., so that when struck by light from a pistol the circuit is actuated, is locked in operating condition, and an illuminating device or lamp is energized at the target. The timer above referred to is set into operation by closing of the starter switches, and in a preferred system it continues to operate until the predetermined target, or one of a predetermined group of targets, has been actuated, whereupon the circuit controlling the timer is interrupted and a recorder is operated, causing a record to be made which is available to the player. ln the preferred form of the invention the electrical system is under control of a coin controlled mechanism which is such that on deposit of a suitable coin it can be operated to eiect a reset of the circuit ready for initial operation, thus rendering the apparatus suitable for use as an amusement device that requires no care or attendance, apart from occasional servicing to keep it in operating condition.

The various objects and features of my invention will be fully understood from the following detailed description of a typical preferred form and application, throughout which description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of structure provided by the present invention, showing it ready to receive a player and illustrating those parts accessible and visible to a player. Fig. 2 is an enlarged side elevation of a portion of the structure shown in Fig. l, showing, primarily, the

player positioning means and the parts directly related thereto. Fig. 3 is an enlarged vertical sectional View taken as indicated by line 3 3 on Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is an enlarged plan view taken as indicated by line 4-4 on Fig. 2. Fig. 5 is a side elevation of a gun or weapon as provided by the present invention, certain parts being broken away to show in section. Fig. 5fL is an enlarged detailed sectional view taken as indicated by line 51--5a on Fig. l, and Figs. 6 and 7 are diagrammatic views illustrating the electrical circuit, Fig. 6 illustrating one portion of the circuit and Fig. 7 another portion thereof.

The structure provided by the invention involves various elements accessible to the player or visible to him, and in addition it provides certain elements and an electrical system which are, for the most part, completely concealed. In carrying out the broader principles of the invention the apparatus can be varied widely, and various features or elements hereinafter described can be modied or, in some cases, multiplied, or in other instances,

eliminated. For the purpose of illustration I will proceed with a description of a typical form or adaptation of the invention and will describe the invention as a coin operated or controlled device.

The structure includes, generally, an object A at which a gun orguns are to be tired, and in the preferred arrangement the object is vertically disposed and it may be in the form of a vertical panel or plate 10. The object A has marks or markings 11 thereon to represent or to be in the likeness of a particular object such, for example, as a man. occupied by the markings 11 be divided into a plurality of distinguishable areas or targets, and these, where the markings represent a man, may be located in a predetermined and significant manner with reference to the image of the man. In the particular case illustrated the object A is provided with targets located with reference to the image of a man, so that a target 12 occurs at the head or face of the man, a target 13 at the heart region of the man, a target 14 at the shoulder portion and a target 1S at the abdominal region. In accordance with the broad principles of the invention the several target's may be alike in size and form and their action or significance in the structure may be alike or, as will be hereinafter described, different actions may occur, depending upon which target is actuated.

A mounting or supporting means B for the object A may be varied, depending upon the manner in which the structure is to be mounted or employed. In the case illustrated the mounting means B is shown as including a vertically disposed case or housing in the front of which It is preferred that the object or the area the object A is located. The mounting means further includes a horizontally disposed base portion 16 at the lower end of the case adapted to be arranged on a support such as a floor or the like. In practice the base portion 16 can be in the form of a case or housing and either the vertical case carrying the object A, or the base 16, or both, may be employed to carry elements of the electrical system hereinafter described.

A player positioning means C is located forward of the object A, preferably at a predetermined point forward thereof. The player positioning means C, as shown in the drawings, involves a body stop adapted to occur or to be positioned so that it occurs at the waist of the wearer. In the form of the invention illustrated the positioning means C involves a horizontally disposed U-shaped device faced away from the object A and having a concave middle or central portion 18 into which the waist or stomach portion of the player can bear and having spaced side portions 19 which project from the ends of the middle portion and away from the object A, the side portions being spaced apart so that they occur at the sides or immediately above the hips of the player. ln the particular case illustrated the player positioning device just referred to is formed of two like sections joined or pivotally connected by a vertically disposed pin 2t), the pin connection being arranged to occur at the center of the middle portion 1? and the construction being such that the device can be adjusted to vary the spacing of the sides 19 to suitabiy accommodate the player.

Further, in the preferred form of the invention the pin 23 serves to support the player positioning device on a head 21 which is tubular in form and which is supported for vertical adjustment in order to provide for variation in the height of the body stop hereinabove described. in the particular case illustrated the head 21 is slidably supported by a vertical tubular standard 22 and a suitable means or mechanism is provided for effecting vertical adjustment of the head relative to the standard. The mechanism illustrated involves a manually operated shaft 23 carrying a gear 24 engaged with a rack 25. The rack is xed in the standard 22 and the shaft 23 is rotatably carried by the head so that by rotation of the shaft the head is shifted vertically of the standard. In practice the standard 22 can be supported in any suitable manner and in a preferred arrangement it is carried by a spacer 26 which may be a horizontal extension of the standard projecting from the lower end of the standard toward the base 16. In the case illustrated the spacer 26 is horizontally disposed and is slidable into a guideway 27 in the base, and it can be adjusted to project various distances forward from the base, and when suitably positioned it can be set by a set screw 28.

ln accordance with the present invention, one or more gun carriers or holsters 3i) is carried by or located at the body stop. In the preferred arrangement there is a holster carried by each side portion 19 of the body stop and the holsters depend from the side portions 19 so that they occur at the sides of the player in the position of holsters carried by a belt or the like occurring on the player. In practice, the holsters may be varied as to type, size, or design as circumstances require.

The invention provides one or more guns D and, in a typical case, there are two guns, one normally carried in each holster 30. The guns D may vary widely in form,

type, size, or character and, although they may vary from each other, it is preferred that they be alike and that they be of a size, weight, and type typical of or comparable to an ordinary or conventional revolver.

For the purpose of the present disclosure, the guns D can be considered as being alike and each is such as to shoot a light beam rather than a projectile such as is ordinarily delivered by a revolver. The gun, as shown in Fig. 5 of the drawings, is in the likeness of an ordinary revolver and has a barrel portion 31, a body or breech portion 32 from which the barrel 31 projects, a handle or grip 33 depending from the breech portion 32, and a trigger 34 carried by a pivot pin 35 and located beneath the breech portion in the corner formed between the handle and the barrel, all as is common in ordinary revolvers. In order that the gun may closely resemble an ordinary revolver it can include features such as a guard 35 around the trigger, a cartridge carrying cylinder 36, a hammer 37, and other such features.

The present invention provides the gun D with a longitudinal opening or passage 38 through the barrel 31 and the passage 38 is equipped with or carries suitable optical elements 39 designed and related to handle light from a light source 40 shown as involving a socket 41 and an electric lamp 42 in the socket. The lamp is shown located in the breech portion of the gun and on the axis of the optical system. The lamp and the optical elements are related so that when the lamp is energized a beam of light issues from the forward end of the barrel 31 and is coaxial with the barrel, the beam being highly concentrated so that it is, in effect, a mere pencil of light. The gun further includes a switch 43 related to the trigger 34 to be operated thereby, and the switch is a trip switch or such as to only momentarily close as the trigger is operated as by the iinger of the player.

The invention provides a liexible connection or cable 44 extending from each gun to a suitable point, say, for instance, to the head 21. The cable 44 carries wires controlled by or carrying the circuit in which the switch 43 is located, and also carries wires of the circuit in which the socket 41 is located.

The invention further provides one or more starter switches 45 located within reach of the player engaged with the means C. In the preferred form of the invention there are two starter switches, the function of which will be hereinafter described. The two starter switches are preferably located relative to the body stop so that a player engaged with the stop with the holsters 30 at his side, can conveniently apply each hand to a starter switch 45. In the particular case illustrated each starter switch involves a hand grip 46 and a movable contact 47, and the starter switches or the hand grips thereof are carried by suitably shaped and arranged arms 48 projecting from the head 21.

The invention preferably provides the apparatus with various other elements accessible or visible to the player.

For example, in the case illustrated, it provides a signalling means E. and also a timing means F, a portion of which is visible to the player.

The signalling means E is preferably carried by the structure formed by the case of the mounting means and y and, in the case illustrated, it is such as to portion of the object A not oc- In the drawings the signalling separatebanks of lights,

the object A, provide visible parts at a cupied by markings 11.

means is shown as involving two one marked to be identified with one of the guns, and

the other marked to be identified with the other gun. Each bank of lights involves separate lamps 48 corresponding in number to the number of shots or actuation contemplated for each gun. The timer F is preferably provided with a dial or face 49 having one or more hands 50 cooperating therewith, and these parts may be located at the object A in areas not occupied by the markings 11.

In addition to the elements or features thus far described, all of which are either accessible to or which can be viewed by the player, the structure may have a coin control device 51 located in the case of the mounting means, and it may also have a dispensing element 52 serving to handle the recorded score made by the player, all as will be hereinafter described.

The invention further provides an audible signalling means 53 which is so related to the guns, as will be heren inafter described, through the electrical system of the present invention, that it is operated each time a gun is actuated. The audible signalling means 53, preferably operates to generate a sharp report or crack signaling the discharge of a pistol, or the like, and, in practice, it can be any sort of device or mechanism that will accomplish this purpose. Further, the invention preferably provides illuminating means or lamps 54 at 0r in connection with the several targets hereinabove described, which lamps are preferably connected in the electrical system so that when a target is hit by a beam of light from a pistol the lamp 54 related thereto is energized.

The electrical system provided by the present invention may, in practice, be varied widely, it being anticipated that various wiring arrangements, as well as combinations and arrangements of elements, such as relays and switches, can be employed to carry out the spirit of the invention embodied in the system that I am about to describe.

In the particular electrical system illustrated in the drawings, and particularly on sheets 2 and 3 of the drawings, the main power supply is delivered by power lines 60 under control of a power switch 61. Certain elements of the electrical system are adapted to be operated by high voltage alternating current, for instance by 110 volt alternating current, and are supplied by what I will term a high voltage power supply carried by power lines 6?.. Other elements of the system are best operated by direct current, preferably by low voltage direct current, and they are served by low voltage direct current power lines 63 energized from the power supply 60 through a suitable transformer T and rectier R.

The low voltage direct current power supply handled by the lines 63 is under direct control of the coin controlled mechanism 51 where the low voltage current is handled by a switch 64 controlling ilow of the low voltage current to the switches 43 of the guns D. From the switches 43 of the guns the low voltage current is passed to the energizing coils 65 of relays 66, there being one relay coupled to each switch 43 so that the relays are selectively operated by means of switches 43. The relays 66 control passage of the low voltage current to the coils 67 of actuators 68 which operate selector switches 69, stop switches and holding switches 71. There is an actuator 68 controlled by or related to each relay 66 to be responsive to operation of one gun switch 43 and there is a selector switch 69, a stop switch 70 and a holding switch 71 operated by each actuator 68.

Each actuator 68 is operatively connected with a shiftable element 72 of its related selector switch 69. The element 62 is supported to reciprocate and is adapted to be advanced or shifted a predetermined amount each time the coil 67 is energized. A ratchet connection is provided between the core 73 operated by the coil 67, and a pivoted lever 74 is operated by the core and carries a pawl 75 that cooperates with teeth 76 on member 72.

Each selector switch 69 controls energization of the lamps 48 in one of the banks occurring at the object A and, in the case illustrated, each switch 69 involves a movable contact 80 carried by the shiftable member 72 and a series of xed contacts 81 successively engaged by the Contact 80 and each connected to one of the lamps 48. As a result of this mechanism, when the switch 69 is first operated the rst lamp 48 in the bank is energized. Upon the second operation of the switch 69 the second lamp is illuminated, and this continues until each lamp has been energized in its turn. The circuit handled by the switch 69 and through the lamps 48 is a high voltage circuit carried by suitable leads 82 from the switch to the lamps and a lead 83 from the lamps to one of the lines 62. When the gun switch 43 is closed the coil 63 of relay 66 is energized, closing switch 85 of relay 66 and a circuit is completed through the coil 67 of the actuator 68. This operation of the actuator causes advance or movement of the selector switch 69 and it also operates a movable element of switch 71, closing the low voltage circuit through switch 71.

The relay 66 further includes a switch 88 handling high voltage from switch 71 to the lamp 42. The switch 71 includes contacts at 90 controlling high voltage through the line 91 so that a high voltage circuit to the signalling means 53 is completed through the switch 71 when it is closed or actuated by operation of the actuator 68.

When the switch 88 of relay 66 is closed a high voltage circuit is completed to a transformer T', the secondary or low voltage side of which is connected to a lamp 42. As a result of this general arrangement and relationship of parts the current carried by the cable 44 extending to the gun D controlled by switch 43 and energizing lamp 42 is low voltage.

Following momentary closing or operation of the gun switch 43 the coil 65 of relay 66 is energized as above described, and the holding or time delay element 84 of the relay 66 holds the relay with the switches 85 and 88 closed for a predetermined length of time. When the relay releases, the coil 67 of the actuator 68 is released or dropped and the element 73 of the actuator is returned to an unactuated position, as by means of a spring 95, or the like.

The stop switch 70 is provided to open the circuit carried by line 91 and completed through the switch 90 after the actuator 68 has been operated a predetermined number of times. The switch 70 thus controls or stops further operation of the signalling means 53 and lamp 42.

As indicated in the diagram, Fig. 7, the shiftable element 72 of switch 69 engages and operates a movable element of switch 70 upon operation of the actuator 60 after a predetermined number of operations. In a typical arrangement I provide six lamps 48 in each bank E and I .2.

provide for six operations of the actuator 68 to cause energization of the lamp 42 and means 53 so that when a seventh operation of the switch 43 occurs the switch 70 is opened and the circuit through line 91 is broken.

In accordance with the preferred form of the invention each target occurring at object A is equipped with an illuminating lamp 54 and, as shown in diagram, Fig. 6, the lamps 54 are in a circuit energized by high voltage from the power lines 62. The timer F is also energized from the high voltage power line. The illuminating lamps 54 and the timer F are controlled by or are responsive to the starting switches and light sensitive elements 100 at the targets occurring at object A. The starter switches 45 are normally open manually operated switches and they are connected in parallel so that the power input to the elements illustrated in Fig. 6 does not occur until the player has operated one of the switches.

Operation of a starter switch results when the player engages either of the grips 46 and rotates it in the direction indicated by arrow X in Fig. 5a and then releases it. r

The grip 46 of each switch 45 is rotatably carried on its supporting arm 4S. Rotation of the grip is limited by means of a screw part operating in limiting slot 56 in the arm 48. A spring 58 normally yieldingly urges the grip to the position shown in Fig. 5a so that when it is released after being operated by the player it returns to the position shown in Fig. 5a. A trip lever 57 is pivotally carried by the grip and is provided to depress the contact 47 as the grip returns to a normal position after being operated and released by the player. Lever 57 is yieldingly urged against a stop 57a by means of a spring 58. When the grip 46 is rotated by the player in the direction indicated by arrow X the lever 57 passes over the contact 47 without depressing it. As the grip returns after being released the lever 57 operates the contact 47 of the switch.

In the form of the invention illustrated the timer F is an electrically operated timer having an energizing coil 101 energized through the switches 45 and a relay 102. When the switches 45 are simultaneously closed the coil 103 of relay 102 is energized, closing relay 102 so that a circuit is completed through the coil 101 of the timer. This starts the timer in operation. In the particular case illustrated the coil 103 of relay 102 and the coil 101 of timer F are connected in parallel and, in order that these coils remain energized after opening either one or both of the contacts 47, I provide a holding circuit carried by lines 104 and closed by the relay 102 when it is energized. The holding circuit just referred to is a normally closed circuit under control of relays hereinafter described.

The electrical system involves what may be referred to as a target circuit for or related to each of the several targets involved at the object A. The several target circuits may be alike except for modifications hereinafter described, and, therefore, the following description of one is equally applicable to all. The target circuit involves, primarily, a light sensitive cell 160 such, for instance, as a photoelectric cell, located at or in the target which is at the object A, an amplifier supplied with high voltage current from the power lines 62, and responsive to the output of the light sensitive cell, a relay 111 operated by the amplifier and completing a circuit to a lamp 54 and to a holding relay 112 which, when closed, energizes a light source or element 113 at the cell 100. The target circuit just described is connected across the high voltage lines 62 so that the circuit through the relay 111, the lamp 54, the relay 112 and the element 113 is all high voltage.

The light sensitive cell is such that when a shaft or beam of light generated by energization of the lamp in a gun strikes the cell as a result of such gun being aimed directly at that cell, the energy or impulse developed at or by the cell initiates operation of the amplifier `110 so that the target circuit is closed and energized. The regeneration or holding action eifected through relay 112 and the element 113 causes the lamp at the target to remain energized. It is to be understood, of course, that the amplitier 110 may, in practice, be any suitable device or arrangement of elements sensitive to the output from a light sensitive cell and such as to handle current from the lines 62 so that the relay 111 is actuated.

The invention further provides an electrically actuated recorder H or time stamp related to the timer F to act upon a record that may be in the form of a card or paper sheet. In the case illustrated diagrammatically the recorder H has a stamp 121 operated by a coil 122 and it is so related to an advancing or operating part of the timer F that when the coil 122 is energized the card is stamped or marked to bear the time indicated by the timer. As shown in the diagram, Fig. 6, the coil 122 is connected in the circuit closed when a predetermined relay 111 is closed so that when a predetermined target is hit or energized the recorder is operated and a record of such action is permanently established on the record card 120. This card can be discharged from the case or apparatus as at 52 so that it is available to the player.

In the particular circuit illustrated the action just described occurs only when certain of the target circuits are energized and actuated. For example, the hookup or arrangement is such that the operation of the recorder H occurs only when the targets 12 and 13 at the head and heart of the object are energized. To accomplish this the circuit through the coil 122 is completed by a line 125 and extends to the relays 111 of the target circuits related to targets 12 and 13. At these particular relays 111 there are switches 126 normally open and closed only when these particular relays are energized. From the diagram it will be observed that closing of either of these relays, that is, the relay 111 related to target 12, or target 13, will cause completion of the circuit through coil 122.

In the particular arrangement illustrated the holding circuit carried by line 104 and causing the coil 103 of relay 102 to remain energized so that the timer continues to operate, is completed through switches in relays 111 related to the targets 12 and 13. The switches 130 are in series and are normally closed. When either one or the other of the relays 111 related to targets 12 and 13 are energized a switch 130 is opened and the holding circuit to coil 103 is opened, causing relay 102 to open or drop with the corresponding drop of the timer F. In a typical application of the invention handling of either gun so a beam therefrom strikes either target 12 or target 13 may be considered a fatal or high scoring hit, whereupon the game or play is completed. However, the player can then continue to operate each gun until all siX operations thereof, provided by reason of the selector switches 69, have been completed.

Where the structure provided by the invention is to be operated in response to deposit of a coin or the like, or through a coin controlled mechanism 51, the structure may include a coin actuated mechanism 130 with a reciprocating element 131 and that element may control switches or circuits controlling devices in a switching mechanism 135. In the particular case illustrated the switching device 135 has a switch 64 in the low voltage circuit controlled by the gun switches 43. There is also a switch 136 controlling high voltage to the target circuits. A switch 137 controls a high voltage circuit to the coil 138 of a reset means 139 for each selector switch 69. As shown in the drawings, the shiftable element 72 of each selector switch is held advanced by a catch 140 and such catch is released by a coil 138, the coil 138 for the two selector switches being under control of switch 137.

A switch 145 in the switching mechanism 135 controls a circuit to a reset coil 146 at the timer F. The switches 145 and 137 are related to the shiftable element 131 of mechanism 130 so that when a coin is deposited in the mechanism 130 and the element 131 is shifted inwardly the switches 137 and 145 are closed with the result that the selector switch 69 can return to normal position and the timer likewise returns to normal position. Withdrawal of member 131 to its normal or original position closes switches 136 and 64 making the circuits responsive to the switches 43 and those responsive to the cells at the target ready for operation.

From the foregoing description it will be apparent that a player having deposited a coin in the mechanism 130 and having operated member 131 as above described, has prepared the apparatus so that he can locate himself with the pistols at his side and then with his hands at the grips 46, operate the contacts 47. The operation of either one of the contacts 47 starts operation of the timer and the player can then draw the guns and tire them at the targets simultaneously, or successively, and as rapidly as he can. The banks of lights at E indicate the number of shots or operations of each gun and if the player is successful in striking a target with a beam of light from a gun the lamp 54 at that target is illuminated and in the particular case illustrated if the target struck is a selected one, as, for instance, target 12 or target 13, the recorder operates, giving the player a l'ecord of the hit or hits made and the time elapsed between the time he actuated the contact 47 and made such hit. As above pointed out, if a fatal or particular hit is made the timer is stopped. However, the player can continue to operate the guns until a given number of shots have been made, and it will be obvious, of course, that unless the timer is stopped by reason of a particular hit the player can continue to shoot and may cause illumination of targets if he is successful in hitting them, until such time as each gun has been operated a given number of times.

Having described only a typical preferred forrn and application of my invention, I do not wish to be limited or restricted to the specic details herein set forth, but wish to reserve to myself any variations or modifications that may appear to those skilled in the art and fall within the scope of the following claims.

Having described my invention, I claim:

1. Apparatus of the character described including, a target, a timer, a starter switch, a target illuminating lamp, an indicator including a plurality of lights, a selector switch controlling said lights, an actuator operating the selector switch, a freely movable manually operated light generating device including a light source and a manually operated trigger switch, and an electrical system controlled by the device and supplying energy thereto including, an operating circuit supplying energy to the light source and actuator and controlled by said trigger switch, a timer operating circuit put into operation by operation of the starter switch, and a target circuit having a light sensitive element therein and at the target adapted to be energized by light from said device and energizing said target illuminating lamp, the timer and target circuits being related to cut the timer circuit out of operation when the target circuit is energized.

2. Apparatus of the character described including, a target, a player positioning stop means for receiving and at least partly embracing the body of a player, a freely movable manually operated light generating device mounted on the stop means and including a light source and a manually operated switch, and an electrical system controlled by the device and supplying energy thereto including, a light circuit supplying energy to the light source and controlled by said switch, and a target circuit having a light sensitive element therein and at the target adapted to be energized by light from said device, the stop means including a body engaging part adjustable at the side of the player and carrying a holder releasably carrying the said device.

3. Apparatus of the character described including, a target, a standard, a player positioning stop mounted for vertical adjustment on said standard so as to adjust the stop to a player, a spacer spacing the target and stop, a freely movable manually operated light generating device including a light source and a manually operated switch, and an electrical system controlled by the device and supplying energy thereto including, a light circuit supplying energy to the light source and controlled by said switch, and a target circuit having a light sensitive element therein and at the target adapted to be energized by light from said device.

4. Apparatus of the character described including, a panel, a target at the panel, a timer, two like individually movable and operable light generating devices spaced a predetermined distance forward of the panel, a player positioning means embracing the front and sides of the player and supporting said devices, the devices being holdable in the hands of the player, each device including a manually operable switch and a light source, and an electrical system including, a light circuit to each device energizing the light source thereof and controlled by the switch thereof, and a target circuit having a light sensitive element therein and at the target adapted to be energized by light from either device, the timer and target circuit being related to cut the timer circuit out of operation when the target circuit is energized.

References Cited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,135,667 Johnson Nov. 8, 1938 2,181,948 McClellan Dec. 5, 1939 2,188,263 Eisenberg Jan. 23, 1940 2,241,670 McMaster May 13, 1941 2,269,256 Eakins Jan. 6, 1942 2,269,258 Falkenberg Jan. 6, 1942 2,309,614 Jensen Jan. 26, 1943 2,310,084 Hooker Feb. 2, 1943 2,404,653 Plebanek July 23, 1946 

